WITH the four-man shortlist for the PFA Scotland award set to be revealed in the next 24 hours, Stokes believes his Parkhead pals are clear candidates to win.

ANTHONY STOKES reckons Virgil van Dijk is one of the best young defenders he’s ever seen and destined for the highest echelons of the game.

But the Celtic ace is vehemently sticking by the attackers’ union and admits Kris Commons would still be getting his vote for Scotland’s Player of the Year.

With the four-man shortlist for the PFA Scotland award set to be revealed in the next 24 hours, Stokes believes his Parkhead pals are clear candidates to win.

At one end of the pitch, van Dijk has been sensational. In his first season in the Scottish game, the smooth centre-back has looked a class act.

He played his part in helping the team break a domestic league clean-sheet record and has moved to the fringes of Holland’s squad for this summer’s World Cup Finals.

Stokes is a massive admirer. Having faced some polished defensive performers in his days coming through the ranks at Arsenal, the hitman can spot a centre-half and said: “Virgil is one of the best young defenders I have seen in a long time.

“He’s got the physique, he’s strong, he’s quick and has composure on the ball.

“He has a bit of everything and has been exceptional this year and a reason why we went so long this season undefeated.

“It can be difficult for people coming here but he settled in right away.

“For a young lad, I can only see him getting an awful lot better and going right to the very top. I genuinely believe that.

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Virgil Van Dijk

“Playing Champions League, he looked comfortable and composed and the world is his oyster. He could play at a high level.

“I came through the ranks with quite a few of the young boys down at Arsenal and he’d be right up the top of any of the boys I saw down south. Hopefully he stays here a long time.”

Most other years, the level of van Dijk’s performances would make him a stick-on for the gong. However, such has been the influence of Commons, it’s no done deal. For creativity, class and goal scoring, the attacker has been simply unrivalled.

At the age of 30, Neil Lennon is enjoying a contributor at the peak of his powers and Stokes admits it’s been a pleasure to link up with the playmaker.

He said: “Kris has been pushed a bit further up the pitch and it has suited him. He’s been on the end of everything. Any ball that broke there for three or four months just fell nicely for him but you have to get yourself in the position to score.

“We were short of strikers before we brought the boys in and started the campaign with me and Kris up front.

“He was in a deeper role but any chance he got, he took. He can strike a ball from anywhere on the pitch and has scored some incredible goals.

“Kris has added a different dimension to his game this season, pushing on that bit further and getting on the end of bits and pieces. He’s very settled up here with his partner and kids. He’s enjoying his football at the moment. Hopefully he keeps it up because it’s been a real pleasure playing alongside him this season.

“Listen, playing at a club such as this is great for attacking players.

“Kris scores goals but brings a lot more to the team with his assists. This season he has had the all-round game.”

Stokes admits Commons’s influence is not just consigned to the pitch, with his stature in the dressing room high.

He added: “He’s always been the same. Kris is quite opinionated but he makes valid points.

“He’s one of the senior boys, one of the oldest in the group and has plenty of experience under his belt.

“There’s no doubt the younger boys look up to him. He’s not the type to shout and roar but he will pull someone aside and if he has something to say he will say it. That is respected in the dressing room.”

Stokes also added Fraser Forster to the mix. He said: “He’s one of the best keepers I have ever played with. Look at some of the saves he made this year.

“People say he doesn’t get tested enough but during that period of our clean sheets, he came up with vital saves at really crucial times. That was massive.”

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Celtic keeper Fraser Forster

But, of course, Stokes isn’t blinkered enough to suggest only Celtic players have shone this term.

Individuals across the country have captured attention and headlines with sterling displays and the Republic of Ireland frontman recognises these feats, even if he struggles to provide an expert analysis due to lack of exposure.

Stokes said: “It’s difficult to gauge others outside of our club because we’re playing on a Saturday and you only see highlights and the attacking players scoring goals.

“The likes of Stevie May and other strikers are on there but it’s hard to tell how other midfielders and defenders are doing.

“Watching highlights, it’s just attacking moves and it can be hard to see the bigger picture.

“Given who we have played against, every time we have faced Aberdeen’s Barry Robson, he’s been a real thorn in our sides.

“He’s been exceptional and Niall McGinn is coming back into a bit of form.”

However, for Stokes, it’s a two-horse race with one nag edging ahead.

He said: “Virgil has been outstanding this year but I’d probably give it to Kris just for his goals and influence in games.

“He’s been massive for us this season and has had the biggest impact of any player I can see in the league.

“He’s a great player to play beside. I’m up alongside him and he sees a pass, while his goals have taken his game to a new level.”